Health Benefits of Celery, Uses And Its Side Effects

Phthalides, flavonoids and polyacetylenes, which have cancer-fighting properties, are present in celery. They help to detoxify the carcinogens.

Celery also contains coumarins that enhance the activities of certain white blood cells and can effectively fight cancer as well. These components tend to act against free radicals floating in our body and neutralize them before they can cause any harm.

Phthalides, organic compounds present in celery, help to reduce the level of stress hormones in your blood. This helps your blood vessels to expand and facilitates the smooth circulation of blood and, thus, reduces blood pressure. When blood pressure is reduced, the chances of developing atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke also drops.

Celery contains a special type of ethanol extract that is useful in protecting the lining of the digestive tract from ulcers. Celery extract has the capability to replenish depleted levels of gastric mucus that is needed in the stomach lining to prevent the formation of tiny holes and openings.

It is also believed that celery nourishes the stomach, colon and intestines due to the presence of chemical constituents like flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils and alkaloids.

Celery seeds are known and used for their diuretic properties as it helps in the elimination of uric acid. Uric acid is excreted via urination. Therefore, people with bladder disorders, kidney problems, cystitis and other similar problems will find it beneficial to include celery seeds in their diet. These seeds are also good for women suffering from urinary tract infection.

All parts of the celery plant including seeds, roots and leaves can be used as anti-oxidants. You can avoid diseases of the kidney, pancreas, liver and gallbladder by incorporating this vegetable in your diet.

Celery seeds have certain anti-microbial effects which allowed it to be used as a herbal medicine for centuries. When extracted from celery seeds was mixed with harmful bacteria compounds that cause infection in humans, the extract was able to purify and reduce the bacteria’s growth. This suggests that celery can boost your body's immunity and fight bacterial infections.

Celery has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and pain around the joints. So it is good for people with arthritis, rheumatism and gout. It's sticks act as diuretic and help to remove uric-acid crystals from your body and bring you relief from joint pain. It also helps to increase the regrowth of tissue in inflamed joints. You can consume celery seed, tablets and juice to reduce arthritis pain.

Celery leaves have a high content of fiber and helps to manage diabetes. Celery is effective in fighting Type-2 diabetes.

Celery has very less calories but is very filling as it is rich in dietary fiber. This makes it ideal to have a glass of celery juice before a meal so that you feel full and do not overeat. This will help to bring your weight down and also will not make you feel hungry all the time.

Cataracts is a disease which results in partial loss of vision and generally afflicts elderly people. Dripping celery tea drops on eyelids is good for certain opthalmological conditions and can improve your eye health, reduces the chances of your eyes getting cataracts and even prevents macular degeneration. You can also drink celery juice which is good for eye health.

Celery contains coumarins that can provide relief from migraines. Research indicates that coumarins help to suppress the release of nitric oxide in the brain, which can headaches and migraines.